CS: Commercial Storage Zoning District in Long Beach, CA
The CS: Commercial Storage District in the City of Long Beach is primarily intended for parcels with unique challenges such as difficult shapes, limited access, or environmental constraints, requiring a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet. This district limits development to a maximum building height of 28 feet (2 stories) and strictly regulates land uses to prioritize storage activities and limited industrial manufacturing. The CS: Commercial Storage District frequently functions as a physical buffer between more intensive industrial zones and sensitive land uses within the City of Long Beach [Section 21.32.020.E].
Purpose and General Character
The CS: Commercial Storage District is a specialized classification within the commercial zoning framework of the City of Long Beach. Its primary purpose is to encourage storage-oriented land uses on properties that are otherwise considered difficult to develop for standard retail or residential purposes due to their physical configuration or environmental conditions [Section 21.32.020.E].
The general character of the CS: Commercial Storage District is functional and transitional. It serves as a "buffer" zone to mitigate potential conflicts between incompatible land uses, such as the interface between residential neighborhoods and heavy industrial sectors. Because of this, the City of Long Beach prohibits most high-traffic retail, office, and entertainment uses in this district [Section 21.32.020.E, Table 32-1].
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the CS: Commercial Storage District are limited to those that generate low pedestrian traffic and have minimal impact on surrounding properties. Most traditional commercial activities, such as banks, restaurants, and medical offices, are not permitted.
Industrial and Storage Uses
- Self-storage (Indoor Only): Permitted subject to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) [Table 32-1].
- Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing: Permitted by right, subject to specific development standards [Section 21.45.114].
- Accessory Tasting Room: Permitted as an accessory use to alcohol manufacturing [Table 32-1].
- Wholesale Trade: Generally not permitted [Table 32-1].
Residential and Support Uses
- Caretaker Residence: Permitted subject to an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) as an accessory to a primary nonresidential use [Table 32-1].
- Group Home (6 or fewer persons): Permitted by right [Table 32-1].
- Unattended Donation Box: Permitted as an accessory use [Table 32-1].
Prohibited Uses
- Billboards: Explicitly prohibited in the CS: Commercial Storage District [Section 21.44.110].
- Retail/Restaurants: Most retail sales, eating places, and fast-food establishments are prohibited [Table 32-1].
- Temporary Lodging: Hotels, motels, and inns are prohibited [Table 32-1].
Development Standards
The City of Long Beach mandates specific dimensional and setback requirements to ensure that developments within the CS: Commercial Storage District remain compatible with their surroundings.
Building and Lot Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 10,000 square feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 28 feet (2 stories) |
| Minimum Setback: Front Street | 15 feet |
| Minimum Setback: Side Street | 15 feet |
| Minimum Setback: Adjacent to Residential Side Yard | 10 feet |
| Minimum Setback: Adjacent to Residential Rear Yard | 20 feet |
| Minimum Setback: Adjacent to Nonresidential District | 5 feet |
[Source: Table 32-2]
Parking and Loading Area Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Street Parking Setback | 6 feet |
| Side Street Parking Setback | 6 feet |
| Alley Parking Setback | 14 feet from centerline |
| Parking Setback Adjacent to Residential | 5 feet |
| Parking Setback Adjacent to Nonresidential | 0 feet |
| Mini-warehouse Parking Ratio | 3 spaces plus 1 per 100 storage units |
[Sources: Table 32-2, Table 41-1C]
Screening and Landscaping
To maintain the aesthetic character of the City of Long Beach, the CS: Commercial Storage District requires that any yard area (except those used for alleys or outdoor dining) contains a landscaped strip at least five feet in width [Section 21.32.220]. Additionally, open storage is strictly prohibited; all merchandise must be kept within buildings [Section 21.32.225.A].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.32.020 – Districts established
- Section 21.32.220 – Yards
- Section 21.32.225 – Screening required
- Section 21.41.216 – Parking—Required number of spaces (Table 41-1C)
- Section 21.44.110 – Use regulations (Signs)
- Section 21.45.114 – Alcohol beverage manufacturing and accessory tasting rooms
- Table 32-1 – Uses in All Other Commercial Zoning Districts
- Table 32-2 – Commercial Development Standards